Many South Africans have adapted to the challenges of load-shedding and unscheduled power failures by installing alternative power solutions to keep the lights on. But we’re also facing a water crisis, or water-shedding – the result of several factors, including climate change disrupting rainfall patterns, maintenance challenges in our water treatment and distribution infrastructure, and the cycle of wet and dry periods caused by the El Niño-La Niña oscillation in the Pacific Ocean.

The frequent interruptions in the water supply that Gauteng residents suffered over the winter of 2024 – sometimes for weeks at a time – were the most recent evidence of a growing water crisis. But Gauteng is not alone, and many other provinces have experienced water shortages and outages over the past few years. It’s time to apply the lessons we’ve learnt from an unstable electricity grid to the water supply. But how do you supplement your own water the way you can supplement electricity with a solar energy system?

A borehole might be a solution, but they’re expensive. However, you can start building some water independence at a much lower cost by collecting rainwater from all the roofs on your property in a rainwater tank.

Are JoJo tanks good solutions?

Green or tan JoJo tanks are the most common water tanks used in South Africa, and the brand is a national icon. Even if you don’t have an issue with your water supply, JoJo tanks can help you reduce your monthly water bills.

With the large eco-friendly plastic tank, you can harvest rainwater from your roof gutters and store it in the tank. You can customise the tank with filters and pumps to suit your needs, filter the water, and even connect your tanks to the municipal water supply. This way, you’ll always have a reserve of clean water to get you through dry spells or supply interruptions.

The tank has a tap, so you only need to connect a hosepipe, and you can rely on gravity to run water to any place below the tank, like your garden. However, if you connect an electric pump to the tank and install the appropriate plumbing, you can use the water wherever you need it on your property – for example, washing the car or supplying your toilet and shower.

If you add a JoJo tank and pump to your home water supply and add a solar power system (or a battery and inverter), you can keep the pump running during electricity outages. You’ll enjoy uninterrupted power and water all the time.

How long does the water in a JoJo tank last?

Your personal circumstances will affect how much water your household uses. To get a reliable estimate, compare the consumption shown on your municipal water bill over a few months. You can then work out how long the water will last according to the size of your JoJo tank.

For example, if your municipal bill shows an average use of 600–700 litres a day, then a 1,000-litre tank will cover your supply for about 1.5 days – and a 2,400-litre tank will last for about 4 days.

Can you install JoJo tanks in a flat?

This depends on whether your body corporate or the property owner allows JoJo tanks in the complex. If you get the go-ahead and have the space to install it, you can get the benefit of a JoJo tank because they come in various sizes. A 1,000 or 2,400-litre tank is suitable for a small home, although JoJo makes a range of tank sizes up to 20,000 litres.

If you plan to connect your pump to an inverter to run on battery or solar power, experts recommend an inverter that can supply at least 5 kW of electricity. A 0.75 kW variable-speed pump and a 3-stage filtration system will provide efficient water pressure and purification.

For bigger properties like detached homes, choose a JoJo tank according to how much water you need to store. You’ll need a larger 1 kW variable-speed pump and a 3-stage filter too.

What is a 3-stage filtration system?
 

A 3-stage water filter uses different stages to remove contaminants from water.

• Stage 1: Usually, a pre-filter that removes large particles, such as sediment and rust.
  
  
• Stage 2:  A reverse-osmosis filter that removes dissolved solids, metals, and microorganisms.
  
  
• Stage 3: A post-filter, or ‘polishing filter’, that improves the taste and smell of the water.

Nedbank’s water solutions

Nedbank has launched Avo Water to offer you alternative water storage and finance options, no matter what size system you need. Avo Water is currently only available in Gauteng, but we hope to extend it to the rest of SA soon.

You can find Avo Water on Avo SuperShop and browse our range of all-inclusive packages that make installing and maintaining an alternative water supply simple, on any budget. These packages include the equipment, delivery, and installation you need to make the whole process hassle-free.

Once you’ve selected your package, you can pay with your debit or credit card, or you can apply for a personal loan during checkout. You’ll be contacted within 3 working days to schedule the installation. The tank must be installed within 6.5 m of your main water supply line. If there is no electrical plug at the installation site, additional costs may apply.

The packages come with a 1-year warranty covering both components and installation. However, they don’t cover the costs of the concrete slab that you’ll need as a base for your tank. You’ll need a slab 1 m high, measuring 2.8 m in diameter for a 2,400-litre tank or 2.5 m in diameter for a 1,000-litre tank. The water pumps are designed to be relatively quiet, but it’s best to install the tank away from bedrooms to minimise noise.

Choose Avo Water to cater to all your water needs, from home backup during outages, to irrigating gardens or vegetable plots and providing clean water for livestock.